Brief Overview of προπορεύομαι (Strong’s G4313: proporeuomai)

Strong’s G4313: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “poreuomai” (to go/journey), meaning to go before or precede. In biblical context, it particularly relates to the preparatory role of forerunners, especially John the Baptist’s ministry preceding Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προπορεύομαι embodies the concept of preparatory movement ahead of someone significant. As a compound word, it combines the anticipatory aspect with purposeful journey or movement. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in Luke 1:76 regarding John the Baptist’s role as Christ’s forerunner, and in Acts 7:40 recalling Israel’s request for gods to go before them. The early church understood this term as highlighting the preparatory nature of prophetic ministry. Today, it continues to teach us about the importance of preparing the way for God’s work and the proper order of spiritual leadership.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προπορεύομαι, proporeuomai, pro-po-REU-o-mai
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + po (as in “pole”) + REU (as in “review”) + o (as in “oh”) + mai (as in “my”)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• πορεύομαι (poreuomai) – root verb meaning “to go, journey”
• -ομαι (-omai) – middle/passive verbal ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To go before
• To precede
• To lead the way

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal/spatial aspect of “before,” while πορεύομαι (poreuomai) provides the concept of purposeful movement or journey.

Translation Options:

• “to go before” – emphasizes the spatial relationship
• “to precede” – highlights the temporal aspect
• “to lead the way” – stresses the leadership function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προάγω (proagō, pro-A-gō) – See G4254: emphasizes leading forward
• πορεύομαι (poreuomai, po-REU-o-mai) – See G4198: basic form meaning “to go”
• προτρέχω (protrechō, pro-TRE-khō) – See G4390: emphasizes running ahead

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb, προπορεύομαι exhibits:

• Tense: Future/Present
• Voice: Middle (with active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Second/Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples of morphological changes:

• Present: “I go before”
• Future: “I will go before”
• Participle: “going before”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in contexts of leadership and preparation. Thayer’s highlights its connection to forerunning ministry. LSJ notes its use in classical Greek for official processions. Vine’s connects it to preparatory service. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting purposeful preceding. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing ceremonial usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 1:76: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before [προπορεύσῃ] the Lord to prepare his ways.”

Additional References:
Acts 7:40

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προπορεύομαι beautifully captures the concept of preparatory ministry. This word proclaims the good news by showing how God prepares the way for His work through faithful servants. It reminds us that just as John prepared the way for Christ, we too are called to prepare hearts for the Lord’s work through faithful witness and service.

D – Did You Know?

• Προπορεύομαι was used in ceremonial contexts for processional leaders
• The word appears in Luke’s account of John the Baptist’s prophetic calling
• Early church writers used it to discuss the relationship between prophecy and fulfillment

Strong’s G4313: A compound verb meaning to go before or precede, used particularly of preparatory ministry and leadership. Emphasizes the important role of forerunners in God’s plan, especially regarding John the Baptist’s ministry before Christ.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: forerunner, preparation, ministry, john-the-baptist, prophecy, leadership, luke, acts, service, preparation, divine-order, mission​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​